“Be yourself.” Nicole wandered into the room. “Don’t change for anyone. Text me if things turn to shit. I’ll come to your rescue.”

Not wanting to ruin the only makeup she’d put on, mascara, Kelly blinked back tears and launched herself at Nicole.

“Thank you.” Kelly held her friend close, breathing in her familiar scent; vanilla body wash.

Nicole stepped back, her eyes full of love and support. “Come on, I’ll drop you off on my way to Steve’s. Heed his words, Kel. Live in the moment, don’t dwell on the past.”

*

Shortly before six-thirty, Kelly climbed out of Nicole’s car and bid her farewell. The down side of owning a motorcycle was having to find alternative transport when she didn’t want to wear jeans.

Glancing at the sign above the door, Rose and Crown, she smoothed down her dress and took a fortifying breath.

She’d arranged to meet Lucy out front so neither of them would have to sit inside, alone, and endure curious glances from other patrons, or worse, unwanted advances.

If Kelly had asked Lucy to pick her up, she probably would’ve, happily. But Kelly didn’t feel right about it, not yet.

And, if Kelly was to be totally honest, until she knew what was going on, she didn’t think it was a good idea for Lucy to know where she lived.

The negative thought vanished on a puff of exhaust fumes. Kelly’s heart pounded when a white four-wheel drive pulled into an angle park.

She recognized the car instantly as Lucy’s, she’d seen it often enough parked at Paula’s.

Shit, Paula.

Kelly crossed her fingers they wouldn’t walk into the pub and come face to face with her ex. Although, that was doubtful. The establishment wasn’t ritzy enough for Paula.

The autumn night was mild enough that they could sit outside, but Kelly loved the ambience of the fireplace that glowed year-round in the corner of the pub.

Nerves, excitement, and a pinch of arousal, okay, a healthy dose of arousal pulsed through Kelly’s veins as Lucy strolled toward her.

While Lucy had an eye out for traffic, Kelly took the opportunity to give her the once over.

The beige top Lucy wore showcased ample breasts and contrasted deliciously with her dark, tanned skin. White jeans caressed her curves with each step she took. Kelly envied those jeans.

“Hey.” Lucy extended a hand and pulled Kelly into a one-armed hug.

She smelled like cocoa butter and Kelly wanted to lick her. Perhaps she already had. That thought extinguished her libido as fast as having a bucket of cold water thrown in her face.

Had Lucy asked her out to confront her?

Get out of your head, Kelly.

“Do you come here often?” Lucy quirked an eyebrow and they both chuckled.